A code that signals the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected the system voltage is below the minimum operating threshold. On Jaguar models, this often points to a failing battery, faulty alternator, or a parasitic drain. Ignoring it can lead to hard starting, stalling, and damage to sensitive electronics.
P0562 means the vehicle's electrical system voltage has dropped below 10 volts for a prolonged period. On most Jaguar models - from the Ingenium AJ200D to the AJ133 V8 - this is typically caused by a failing battery, a faulty alternator, or a parasitic drain. The fix can range from a £100 battery replacement to a £400+ alternator and battery replacement.
Do not ignore P0562. Low voltage can cause erratic engine behaviour, damage the starter motor, and leave you stranded. Immediate diagnosis is recommended.
P0562 is a generic OBD-II code that stands for "System Voltage Low." It is set when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the vehicle's system voltage (typically the battery voltage) has dropped below 10 volts for a certain period. On Jaguar vehicles, the electrical system relies on a stable voltage supply for all modules - from the ECM to the transmission control module, infotainment, and lighting. When voltage drops too low, the ECM may shut down non-essential systems to preserve power, leading to reduced performance, hard starting, or even stalling. The most common causes are an ageing battery, a failing alternator, or a parasitic drain that discharges the battery overnight. Unlike mechanical fault codes, P0562 is an electrical issue that can affect multiple systems, making it essential to address promptly before it leads to more expensive repairs.
If you notice the battery light and the engine stalls, do not restart repeatedly - you may damage the starter motor. Have the car recovered.
Based on real diagnostic patterns from Jaguar specialists. The order reflects both likelihood and typical repair cost.
| Cause | Likelihood | Typical Cost (Fitted) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failing or old battery (3–5 years old) | High | £100–£250 | Jaguar batteries often fail after 4 years; replace with AGM type for stop-start models |
| Loose or corroded battery connections | Medium | £20–£50 | Check terminals for corrosion; clean and tighten - a cheap fix |
| Failing alternator (not charging) | Medium | £300–£600 | Alternator may not provide enough charge; test output at idle and under load |
| Parasitic drain (e.g., glovebox light, module not sleeping) | Medium | £100–£300 | Battery drains overnight; requires current draw test to identify the culprit |
| Faulty voltage regulator (built into alternator) | Low | £200–£400 | Regulator fails, causing overcharging or undercharging; often replaced with alternator |
| Blown or corroded main fuse / fusible link | Low | £50–£150 | Rare; check the main fuse in the engine bay fuse box |
Cost figures [PATTERN DATA] - indicative independent‑specialist pricing, not drawn from our engine replacement dataset. Battery prices vary by specification (AGM vs. standard).
A competent Jaguar specialist will follow this order to avoid misdiagnosing an expensive alternator when a simple battery or connection issue is at fault.
Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion or looseness. Clean with a wire brush and tighten securely. A simple and free fix.
Measure the battery voltage with the engine off. A reading below 12.2V indicates a discharged or failing battery. Jump-start and retest.
With the engine running, measure voltage across the battery terminals. Should be 13.8–14.5V. If below 13V, the alternator is likely faulty.
With the vehicle off, measure current draw. Anything above 50mA indicates a drain; isolate circuits by pulling fuses to find the culprit.
If the battery is over 4 years old, replace it. If the alternator fails, replace it along with the belt and tensioner if worn.
Our diagnostic wizard walks the same order, or use the registration lookup to confirm your engine and any outstanding recalls.
Only to get directly to a garage - and avoid using electrical accessories. P0562 indicates low system voltage, which means the battery is not being charged or is severely depleted. If the alternator is failing, the vehicle is running entirely on battery power, and once that runs out, the engine will stall and leave you stranded. Driving with low voltage can also cause erratic behaviour from the engine, transmission, and ABS modules, potentially leading to unsafe conditions. If the battery is simply old and flat, you may be able to jump-start the car, but it will likely die again. The safest action is to have the car recovered or replaced with a known-good battery. If you must drive, switch off all non-essential electrical loads (radio, heated seats, lights if possible), and head directly to a garage. Do not drive if the battery light is flashing or the engine is stalling.
It means the Engine Control Module has detected the system voltage is below 10 volts, typically due to a failing battery, faulty alternator, or parasitic drain.
Only to get directly to a garage, and avoid using electrical accessories. Driving with low voltage can cause stalling and leave you stranded. Have the car recovered if possible.
Yes - it can leave you stranded and cause damage to the starter motor and other electrical components if ignored. Immediate diagnosis is recommended.
The cost ranges from about £100 for a battery replacement to £400–£800 for an alternator and battery replacement. Diagnostic time is typically 1 hour.
Only temporarily. The code will return if the underlying voltage issue persists, and clearing it removes freeze‑frame data that helps diagnosis.
Yes - an old or failing battery is the most common cause of P0562. If the battery is over 4 years old, it should be tested and likely replaced.
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